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How do you know which sect to chose?

B5CB5C Veteran
edited October 2010 in Buddhism Basics
My original question:
http://newbuddhist.com/forum/showpost.php?p=135327&postcount=2699

Right now Im reading books from the Dalai Lama. That is because my cousin who is Buddhist studies the Vajrayana traditions.

I have a book from Geshe Kelsang Gyatso who is from New Kadampa Tradition because I've seen so many of his books at my local used bookstores.

The book I have from him is:
418V0642P2L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg

Comments

  • UnlikelybdstUnlikelybdst
    edited October 2010
    Read about or meet teachers from a few different ones and see which tradition resonates more with you?
  • Mr_SerenityMr_Serenity Veteran
    edited October 2010
    Why even choose a sect? The teacher is more important. Find one that connects with you, rather than finding a sect. The more you explore and experience, the more you then realize which feels right for you.
  • B5CB5C Veteran
    edited October 2010
    Mr Serenity wrote: »
    Why even choose a sect? The teacher is more important. Find one that connects with you, rather than finding a sect. The more you explore and experience, the more you then realize which feels right for you.

    That is true too. Might be best to find the local center that is near me and give a try.

    http://www.meditateinnwwashington.org/
  • MountainsMountains Veteran
    edited October 2010
    I agree. Just live the 4 noble truths and the eightfold path and see what develops... I call it "fundamentalist Buddhism" :)
  • questionfulquestionful
    edited October 2010
    Put no head above your own!
  • CloudCloud Veteran
    edited October 2010
    OP: How do you choose anything else in life? The best choices are made when we are well-informed (do your research), and almost always are made with our own likes and dislikes as a factor regardless of what is logical. That is to say... most people are likely to go with a tradition or sect that teaches in a way that is closest to how they already think. If you've studied them all it becomes a matter of preference, for no Buddhist school can truly claim to be the "one" (though they may try). You don't technically even need to choose a particular school to be a Buddhist.
  • GuyCGuyC Veteran
    edited October 2010
    The best sect is the 3 Refuges, the 5 Precepts and the Noble Eightfold Path.
  • cazcaz Veteran United Kingdom Veteran
    edited October 2010
    Which ever one you feel comfortable with. The book you have is a superb Instruction manual to be applied to Daily life :) Lamrim is the very essence of all Buddha's 84,000 teachings.
  • ZaylZayl Veteran
    edited October 2010
    I live the way I live, and what I practice can be called Shikantaza Zen Buddhism, but only through outward appearance. I spend as many hours as possible, sitting quietly, or walking quietly, and being mindful as I can about everything around me... even the texture of my clothing against my skin (silk boxers ftw :D)

    Does this mean I consider myself a part of a specific sect? no of course not. It just means there are groups of people and teachers out there I identify more with than others.
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